Data recovery is a crucial aspect of our digital lives, especially when we accidentally delete or format important files on our devices. Fortunately, there are numerous ways to recover lost data, including software tools and professional services. In this article, we will explore some effective methods on how to recover data that has been lost due to formatting or deletion.
First, let’s understand what data recovery is all about. When we delete a file from our device, it is not entirely erased from the hard drive. Instead, the data is marked as “deleted” and becomes inaccessible to us. However, the actual data remains on the hard drive until it is overwritten by new data. Therefore, if we act quickly, there is a high chance of recovering the lost data.
One common scenario where we may lose our data is when we accidentally format our device. Formatting a device erases all the data stored on it and prepares it for new data. If you have mistakenly formatted your device, don’t panic. There are ways to recover your data, as we shall see in the following sections.
1. Recovering formatted data on a Windows device
If you are using Windows, you can use the built-in recovery tool called “File History” to recover your lost data. Follow these steps to recover your formatted data:
Step 1: Connect your device to the computer and click on the “Start” button.
Step 2: Type “File History” in the search box and select “File History settings.”
Step 3: Click on “Restore your files with File History.”
Step 4: Search for the file you want to recover by scrolling or using the search bar.
Step 5: Once you find the file, click on “Restore” to recover it.
Alternatively, you can use specialized data recovery software such as EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard or Recuva. These tools are designed to scan your hard drive and recover files that have been deleted or formatted.
2. Recovering formatted data on a Mac device
If you are using a Mac device, you can use the built-in recovery tool called “Time Machine” to recover your lost data. Follow these steps to recover your formatted data:
Step 1: Connect your device to the computer and click on the “Time Machine” icon in the menu bar.
Step 2: Select “Enter Time Machine.”
Step 3: Use the timeline on the right side of the screen to navigate to the point where you want to recover your data.
Step 4: Select the files you want to recover and click on “Restore.”
Alternatively, you can use professional data recovery software such as Disk Drill or Data Rescue to recover your lost data.
3. Recovering deleted files on Android devices
If you have accidentally deleted files on your Android device, you can use the Recycle Bin or Google Drive to recover the files. Here’s how:
Recycle Bin Method
Step 1: Open the Recycle Bin app on your Android device.
Step 2: Select the files you want to recover and click on “Restore.”
Google Drive Method
Step 1: Open the Google Drive app on your device.
Step 2: Tap “Menu” and select “Trash.”
Step 3: Select the files you want to restore and tap “Restore.”
Alternatively, you can use specialized data recovery software such as DiskDigger or Dr. Fone to recover your lost data.
4. Recovering deleted files on iOS devices
If you have accidentally deleted files on your iOS device, you can use iCloud or iTunes to recover the files. Here’s how:
iCloud Method
Step 1: Open the iCloud website on your computer and log in to your account.
Step 2: Click on “Settings” and select “Restore Files.”
Step 3: Select the files you want to restore and click on “Restore.”
iTunes Method
Step 1: Connect your iOS device to your computer and open iTunes.
Step 2: Click on your device icon in iTunes and select “Restore Backup.”
Step 3: Select the backup that contains the files you want to restore and click on “Restore.”
Alternatively, you can use data recovery software such as Wondershare Recoverit or iMyFone D-Back to recover your lost data.
FAQ
Q1: Is it possible to recover data after a factory reset?
A: Yes, it is possible to recover data after a factory reset. However, a factory reset erases all the data on the device, and therefore, the chances of recovery are relatively low. It is recommended to back up important data before doing a factory reset.
Q2: Can data be recovered from a physically damaged hard drive?
A: Yes, data can be recovered from a physically damaged hard drive. However, it requires specialized expertise and equipment, and therefore, it is recommended to seek professional data recovery services.
Conclusion
In summary, data recovery is a crucial aspect of our digital lives, and there are numerous ways to recover lost data, including software tools and professional services. If you have accidentally formatted or deleted your files, don’t panic. Follow the methods outlined in this article to recover your lost data. Remember to back up your important data regularly to avoid such situations in the future.
